Portable support cushion

ABSTRACT

A body support cushion including a first section of the cushion for forming a portion of the surface of the cushion, adapted to shift from a flattened state to a flexed state and a second section of the cushion for forming another portion of the surface of the cushion, adapted to shift from a flattened state to a flexed state. A hinge couples adjoining edges of the first and second sections. A first coupling member on the first section is selectively, releasably coupled to a second coupling member on the second section to create a body support cushion in which the first and second sections are flexed which results in a body support cushion capable of moving from a flattened state to a flexed state. The body support cushion is particularly suitable for supporting a user&#39;s lower back when sitting in a chair. It is also suitable for supporting other body parts such as the knee, ankle or even the back when laying down. It can also be used to support a laptop computer or other object on one&#39;s legs or lap when sitting.

This application claims the priority of provisional application Ser. No. 60/669,679 filed on Apr. 8, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention is generally directed to a portable support cushion which converts from a flat storage position to a three dimensional engaged position, and specifically to a body support cushion which provides back support when either sitting or lying down as well as other uses for the portable support cushion. The portable support cushion can be stored in a briefcase or other business container in its flattened condition, taken out and assembled without any tools for use and then returned to the briefcase or other container following use for later use at another time.

When travelers sit on airplanes, trains or buses the seats generally provide relatively poor support for the back and, in particular, the lower back or lumbar region, which can be uncomfortable or painful for many people. A simple solution for this is a lumbar pillow or cushion designed to maintain the spine in the proper orientation. However, prior cushions or lumbar support members are generally bulky pillows or foam cushions which, while appropriate and useful in their intended function, are not convenient for use in travel.

Regular travelers, often known as “Road Warriors,” always seek to minimize the amount of items carried with them and reduce the weight and bulk of the items regularly carried with them. As a result, this important group of travelers, as well as regular bus and train commuters, are unlikely to obtain any real benefit from the existing back support cushions, which, while functional, are not easily transportable due to their failure to compress to a more manageable size for stowage and transportation of the cushions when not in use. To the extent that blow-up cushions are utilized, these require the user to inflate them, which is both inconvenient and difficult, particularly with airplanes with the changes in altitude affecting the size and pressure of the cushion.

Accordingly, there is a need for an enhanced body support cushion which provides the ability to position the cushion at an appropriate spot on a chair back or other seating location in a three dimensionally deployed fashion which has a generally flat surface which rests against the chair back and a rounded surface which maintains its shape under pressure to enforce the required curvature in the lower back, but which can be easily and quickly converted from a cushion shape to a flat form, where it can be easily stowed in a briefcase for storage and transportation when not in use without adding unnecessary weight or bulkiness. There is also a need for a portable support cushion for supporting other body parts such as the knees and ankles or objects such as a laptop computer on the legs and as a variable height shim which may be used in leveling items for temporary or permanent use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is generally directed to a portable support cushion, including first and second sections of the cushion for forming respective portions of the surface of the cushion adapted to each shift from a flattened state to a flexed state, first and second coupling members on the respective first and second sections for selectively, releasably coupling first ends of the first and second sections to each other, and coupling means coupling the first and second sections to each other in a position remote from the point of connection of the first and second coupling members to enable the first and second sections to be positioned either in a co-planar position corresponding to a storage configuration and to an opposed position corresponding to a support cushion position.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved body support cushion which is easily transportable in a flat condition when not in use and easily convertible to a support cushion configuration.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved body support cushion designed to provide lumbar support for the user by resting against a chair back in its deployed condition and easily convert without tools to a flattened condition in which it can be easily transported.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide an improved body support cushion for supporting the lower back of a user in either a vertical or horizontal orientation which is transportable in a relatively flat condition.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved transportable laptop support cushion for supporting a laptop computer on a user's legs to avoid the heat from the laptop computer's causing discomfort and also providing air around the laptop computer's base to support cooling, which is easily converted to a flat form for easy transportation along with the laptop computer.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide an improved body support cushion which is convertible from a relatively flat form to a deployed form suitable for use as a neck roll support, foot, ankle, or knee support cushion.

Yet still a further object of the invention is to provide an improved transportable body support cushion which stays in place on the chair back while the user sits down on the chair.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide an improved portable support cushion which acts as a shim to elevate a portion of an object a variety of different distances.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will, in part, be obvious and will, in part, be apparent from the specification.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangements of parts which will be exemplified in the construction as hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the portable support cushion constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the portable support cushion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portable support cushion of FIGS. 1 and 2 in its flat position;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial side elevational view of the hinge of the portable support cushion of side elevational view of the body support cushion of FIG. 5;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the portable support cushion of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the portable support cushion of FIG. 1 in a first adjustment point of its deployed position;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the portable support cushion of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the portable support cushion of FIG. 1 in a second adjustment point of its deployed position;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the portable support cushion of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the portable support cushion of FIG. 1 in a third adjustment point of its deployed position;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the portable support cushion of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the portable support cushion of FIG. 1 in a fourth adjustment point of its deployed position;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the portable support cushion of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a portable support cushion in accordance with the invention supporting a user's back while seated in a chair;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the portable support cushion of FIG. 14 in use as in FIG. 14 with the portable support cushion shown in phantom;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portable support cushion in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a further perspective view of a portable support cushion in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a further perspective view of a portable support cushion in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a further perspective view of a portable support cushion in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a further perspective view of a portable support cushion in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a further perspective view of a portable support cushion in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 is a further perspective view of a portable support cushion in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 23 is a further perspective view of a portable support cushion in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is first made to FIGS. 1-5 wherein a portable support cushion generally indicated as 100 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted. Like elements are represented by like reference numerals. Portable support cushion 100 as seen in FIG. 5 is a flat, thin member, preferably injection molded out of a plastic material as a single, integral unit. In a current preferred embodiment portable support cushion 100 is used as a body support cushion in connection with a chair, as seen in FIGS. 14 and 15. The discussion will focus initially on the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5 particularly suitable for use as a body support cushion for providing back support as seen in FIGS. 14 and 15.

Support cushion 100 includes chair side cushion 101 and body side cushion 102 connected with a hinge 103. In a current preferred embodiment of the invention hinge 103 as best seen in FIG. 5 and the enlarged partial view of FIG. 4, is formed as a living hinge which is a reduced thickness portion of plastic which allows the two sections 101, 102 to rotate about the connecting line formed by hinge 103 but permanently securing the two sections 101, 102 together. The living hinge is formed in accordance with conventional technology dependent on the materials utilized, molding process and dimensions of the portable support cushion 100.

A series of engaging slots 104, 105 are found in chair side cushion section 101 and are adapted to receive tabs 106, 107 respectively in body side cushion section 102. The slots 104, 105 are preferably slightly angled as shown in the drawings and are preferably about 25 or 30 percent of the way in from each edge of section 101 to minimize distortion and provide a relatively uniform flexed contact surface. The engagement of tabs 106, 107 in one of the sets of slots 104, 105 allows the user to adjust the relative thickness and stiffness of the body support cushion 100 in its engaged or deployed state as shown in FIGS. 6-13. Each of the pairs of Figures, starting with FIGS. 6 and 7 and including FIGS. 8 and 9, FIGS. 10 and 11 and FIGS. 12 and 13 is a perspective view of one of the four different engagement points of the portable support cushion 200 and its corresponding side elevational view. Cushion 200 varies from Cushion 100 only by addition of two additional slots 122, 123. The variation in slots corresponding to the tabs allows the thickness and curvature of the portable support cushion to be adjusted so that it fits the intended need most closely. As seen in FIGS. 7, 9, 11 and 13, the thickness of the arc of body side cushion section 102 can be increased or decreased by selecting a different slot 104, 105 to engage tabs 106, 107.

Body side cushion section 102 is anticipated to both rest against the user's back or other body part and have the substantial bulk of the curvature in the engaged state. Holes 108 shown on body side cushion section 102 create air holes which serve several functions. First, they allow air and heat to escape so that the use of body support cushion 100 does not cause the user's body to sweat excessively in the area of the body support cushion. In addition, they enhance the flexibility of the body side cushion section 102 so that when tabs 106, 107 are engaged with slots 104, 105, more of the tension in the panels is converted into bending by the body side cushion section 102 than the chair side cushion section 101. Another purpose is to reduce the overall weight of the body support cushion 100 so that during transportation in a briefcase or other transport device when not deployed, its weight is reduced. Curved slots 109, 110 and straight slot 111 in body side cushion section 102 are used to enhance the flexibility of body side cushion section 102 further. They provide enhanced flexibility both parallel to hinge 103 and at varying angles through an angle perpendicular of hinge 103. The slots can be changed to enhance the flexibility or stiffen the surface. To make the surface more compliant additional changes can be made such as making the section 102 thinner either in total or in selected areas. In this way the surface will fit more smoothly against the user's back or in supporting some other body part or item.

Connection nubs 112, shown on the surface of chair side cushion section 101 are formed in a current preferred embodiment of the invention as cone-shaped extensions having a height between 1/32^(nd) and ¼^(th) of an inch in length, more preferably between 1/16^(th) of an inch and ⅛^(th) of an inch and, even more preferably, about 3/32nds of an inch in length. Alternatively, a Velcro® hook and pile connector hook pad can be affixed to the outer surface of the chair side cushion section to serve the same purpose. The connection nubs 112 or hook and pile type connector serve the function of providing sufficient frictional contact with the seat after the user positions the body support cushion before the cushion is held in place by the force of the wearer's back on the cushion and chair. The connection is not so strong as to prevent the user from adjusting the position of body support cushion 100 in place once the user is seated on the chair.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 6-13 wherein the body support cushion 100 is shown in its deployed state with tabs 106, 107 engaged in slots 104, 105. To assemble the cushion from its storage condition as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 the user merely folds sections 101 and 102 along the hinge 103 exerting sufficient force to bend sections 101 and 102, though primarily section 102 will deflect, until tabs 106, 107 align with one of the series of slots 104, 105 and then lock in place. Because of the absence of additional slots or other openings in section 101, as are found on body side cushion section 102, on chair side cushion section 101 and its smaller width as compared to body side cushion section 102 (which includes slits 108, 109, 110 and 111 and is wider, which enables section 102 to curve along an axis parallel to hinge 103 more easily than section 101), chair side cushion section 101 tends to remain relatively flat in the deployed state. The effect of this, as seen in FIGS. 7, 9, 11 and 13 is that the section 102 is more curved than section 101. While the figures show the section 101 nearly straight there is generally some flexing of Section 101, though not nearly as much as is found in section 102. Section 101 is designed to be stiffer than Section 102 so that the tension in the cushion 100 is held by section 101 and stored in the curved section 102 like a spring.

While hinge 103 as shown in FIGS. 1-5 is a living hinge which is continuous across the entire width of the connection between sections 101 and 102, a living hinge or even a hinge formed with separate sections 101, 102 is possible where, for example, there are two or three sections of hinges with hinge portions like the two or three hinges on a door. Alternatively, rather than having sections 301, 302 permanently attached to each other, they can be removably attached as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 16 and 17. In FIG. 16, portable support cushion 300 includes two discrete hooking hinges 331, 332 which engage with slots 333 and 334, respectively to allow sections 101, 102 to rotate with respect to each other without otherwise moving laterally, much in the same way as the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5. Similarly, in the embodiment of FIG. 17, portable support cushion 400 includes two discrete sections 401, 402 which are releasably connectable to each other with hook 431 and hook 432 which run along the length of sections 401, 402, respectively and engage in the same way as the living hinge or the embodiment of FIG. 16.

In another current preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 19, portable support cushion 600 includes sections 601, 602 and hinge 103(not shown), as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, but also includes a second hinge 605 which divides section 602 into two sub-sections 603, 604. In its deployed mode, as shown, the cushion 600 takes on a triangular rather than curved profile on the top. This is suitable for applications like supporting under a wearer's knee or ankle or to support the leg or for supporting an item which would be held in place by the triangular shape of the support surface.

In a current preferred embodiment of the invention the body support cushion 100 including sections 101 and 102 and living hinge 103 are formed from polypropylene, which are injection molded. The cushion 100 is preferably made of sheets of polypropylene, such as 1/16 inch sheets, though different thicknesses are appropriate depending on the use of the cushion and the specific characteristics of the material used. Alternate plastics may be injection molded including Delrin® from DuPont and other plastics which exhibit the required physical characteristics which include the ability to form a living hinge, sufficient flexibility to allow the bending and supporting functions without splintering or cracking, and sufficient stiffness to create a tension force which provides the support in the cushion. The body support cushion can be manufactured from other materials which have the appropriate characteristics which are not plastics as well, though the current preferred embodiment is to injection mold polypropylene.

While slots 104, 105 and tabs 106, 107 are used in a current embodiment of the invention, other conventional connectors may also be suitably used such as pins and holes or the like. Also, as shown in FIG. 18, the portable support cushion 500, including sections 501, 502 connected by living hinge 503 are connected on the other end with hook and pile connectors 506 and 507, 508. In this embodiment there are only two pads 507, 508 which can be selectively utilized with the pad 506 to allow adjustment. In other embodiments more rows of pads can be used as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 with four sets of slots. The only requirement is that the connection be sufficiently sturdy.

In a current preferred embodiment of the invention, in the flattened position the body support cushion has dimensions which are sized so that it has dimensions approximately 8½ by 11 inches so that it fits into similar files or folders as traditional sized 8½ by 11 inch paper. Variations in size are possible for bigger or smaller sizes. In other preferred embodiments of the invention where the body support cushion is used for the neck, ankle or knee support or to support a laptop computer, a smaller flat size of the body support cushion may be utilized.

The multiple slots 104, 105 provide the user with the ability to adjust the degree of curvature and volume most suitable to that user's physique and comfort when it is used as a body support cushion. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, when used as a lumbar support, the body support cushion 100 is trapped in place between the chair 11 on the back and user 10 and in particular the buttocks and back on the bottom and top, respectively.

Reference is next made to FIG. 20 wherein a portable support cushion 800 in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The cushion 800 can be made in accordance with the various alternatives described above. In this case it is used to support a person's foot 14 off the ground while the person 10 sits on chair 11. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 21, a portable support cushion 700 resting under a person's leg 15 supports the knee off the chair 11.

Reference is next made to FIG. 22 wherein a portable, adjustable laptop support cushion 900 constructed in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. Support cushion 900 acts to support a laptop computer 30 on a user's lap 15 and provides several benefits. It provides for air to flow around and under the laptop so it doesn't overheat which often happens when it sits on a person's lap for any period of time. Also, it prevents the person's legs from getting overheated due to sitting under the hot laptop. In addition, it allows, with its adjustability, as with the cushion 100, to adjust the height of the laptop to an ergonomically suitable location.

Reference is next made to FIG. 23 wherein a portable, adjustable shim 1000 constructed in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. Shim 1000 acts to support a leg 41 of table 40 to level the table's top. The shim can be used in a wide variety of applications for temporary or permanent leveling needs. Generally, the shims can be made much smaller than the cushions 100 which would be used as a back support cushion. The shims have the multiple slots for the tabs, or other closures which allows the user to adjust their thickness which is a critical element of the operability of a shim which is used to add a spacer to a required location. The shims 1000 can be adjusted easily and transported flat to the appropriate location where they are assembled and used. A variety of sizes of shims can be manufactured and brought to a location in a flat form which makes transportation and leveling of a variety of furniture, appliance, work surface and other objects.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the surface of the body side support section 102, which contacts the user's body can be softened or cushioned by adding a foam pad or similar element which does not significantly increase the thickness of the body support cushion in its flattened state.

In use, a traveler boarding a plane, bus or train, as they are getting settled, would remove the flat body support cushion 100 from their briefcase, where it lays flat along with other papers and files, fold it and engage tabs 106, 107 in slots 104, 105 to the desired position and then position the deployed body support cushion 100 with the relatively flat surface of section 101 and the conical points 112 against the chair back at the appropriate height and then situation themselves in the chair. Any adjustments to the positioning could be done while the user is already seated by merely leaning forward and readjusting the positioning. When the user is ready to leave the plane, train or bus, they need merely lean forward, remove the body support cushion 100 from behind them, disengage tabs 106, 107 from slots 104, 105, flatten the sections 101, 102 along hinge 103 and reinsert the flattened body support cushion 100 back into their briefcase. A travel case can be provided which prevents wear and tear on the body support cushion 100 and, in another preferred embodiment of the invention be placed over the deployed components like a pillow case to provide a more finished look and feel as well as some cushioning.

Accordingly, an improved body support cushion which is suitable for traveling and is easily transportable in a flat condition and then deployed without the need for any tools to a support cushion condition is provided. The body support cushion is also suitable for supporting a laptop computer on a user's legs to avoid excess heat build up and allow air circulation around the laptop computer. The body support cushion, in addition to supporting the lumbar region of the wearer's back, may also be used to support below the user's knees, ankles or lumbar support region while laying horizontally.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent in the preceding description, are efficiently obtained and, since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention, herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. 

1. A body support cushion, comprising: A body contacting section; A support section; A hinge connecting the body contacting section and the support section and allowing a range of motion including at least one deployed position and a flattened position; and Coupling means, for selectively, releasably securing portions of the body contacting section and the support section to each other in a way which causes the body contacting section to be flexed.
 2. The body support cushion of claim 1 wherein the body contacting section, the support section and the hinge are formed as a single member.
 3. The body support cushion of claim 1 wherein the hinge is a living hinge.
 4. The body support cushion of claim 1 wherein the body contacting section, hinge and support section are coplanar when in the flat position.
 5. The body support cushion on claim 1 wherein the coupling means includes at least one tab on an end of the body contacting section and at least one slot for each tab proximate an end of the support section.
 6. The body support cushion of claim 5 wherein there are four slots for each tab, allowing a range of adjustment of the flexing of the body contacting section.
 7. The body support cushion of claim 5 wherein the at least one tab is on an end of the body contacting section opposite from the body contacting section's contact with the hinge.
 8. The body support cushion of claim 5 wherein the at least one slot is located proximate the end of the support section opposite from the support section's contact with the hinge.
 9. The body support cushion of claim 5 wherein there are two tabs and at least one pair of slots for receiving the tabs and maintaining the body contacting section under a tension which results in the body contacting section being flexed in a convex fashion.
 10. The body support cushion of claim 1 further including engagement means, coupled to the support section, for engaging with the chair back or other point of contact for support of the body support cushion, so that the body support cushion in its deployed condition stays in place before a user's body part is pressed against the body contacting section.
 11. The body support cushion of claim 10 wherein the engagement means includes a series of conical projections extending outwardly from the support section.
 12. The body support cushion of claim 1 wherein the body contacting section, support section, hinge and coupling means are integrally formed of a single sheet of material.
 13. The body support cushion of claim 12 wherein the hinge is a living hinge.
 14. The body support cushion of claim 1 further including aeration means incorporated in the body contacting section for allowing the passage of air and heat though the body contacting section.
 15. The body support cushion of claim 14 wherein the aeration means includes a series of rounded openings.
 16. The body support cushion of claim 14 wherein the aeration means includes at least one slot in the body contacting session.
 17. The body support cushion of claim 1 further including flexibility enhancing means in the body contacting section for easing the flexing of the body contacting section relative to the support section when the body support cushion is in the deployed condition.
 18. The body support cushion of claim 17 wherein the flexibility enhancing means includes at least one slot oriented to make the body contacting section more flexible along a direction substantially parallel to the hinge.
 19. The body support cushion of claim 18 wherein the flexibility enhancing means includes two slots at an acute angle to the hinge and one slot substantially perpendicular to the hinge.
 20. The body support cushion of claim 17 wherein the flexibility enhancing means includes a plurality of openings in the body contacting section.
 21. The body support cushion of claim 1 wherein the body contacting section and the support section are formed separately and connected with a hinge.
 22. The body support cushion of claim 21 wherein the hinge includes multiple engaging hinge members.
 23. The body support cushion of claim 21 wherein the hinge includes engaging hinge members formed proximate contacting edges of the body contacting section and the support section.
 24. The body support cushion of claim 1, further including a second hinge in the body contacting section.
 25. The body support cushion on claim 1 wherein the coupling means includes at least one first mating hook or pile connector on an end of the body contacting section and at least one second mating pile or hook connector for each first mating hook or pile connector proximate an end of the support section.
 26. The body support cushion of claim 25 wherein there are two second mating pile or hook connectors for each first mating hook or pile connector, allowing a range of adjustment of the flexing of the body contacting section.
 27. The body support cushion of claim 25 wherein the at least one first mating hook or pile connector is on an end of the body contacting section opposite from the body contacting section's contact with the hinge.
 28. The body support cushion of claim 25 wherein the at least one second mating pile or hook connector is located proximate the end of the support section opposite from the support section's contact with the hinge.
 29. The body support cushion of claim 1 wherein the lower back of a user is supported by the body support cushion when it is placed between the wearer's back and the back of a chair.
 30. The body support cushion of claim 1 wherein the foot of a user is supported by the body support cushion when it is placed under the wearer's foot.
 31. The body support cushion of claim 1 wherein the knee or leg or a user is supported when the body support cushion is placed under the user's leg or knee on a chair.
 32. A support cushion, comprising: a supporting section; a base section; a hinge connecting the supporting section and the base section and allowing the supporting section and base section a range of motion including at least one deployed position and a flattened position; and coupling means, for selectively, releasably securing portions of the supporting section and the base section to each other in a way which causes the supporting section to be flexed.
 33. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the supporting section, base section and hinge are formed as a single piece.
 34. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the hinge is a living hinge.
 35. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the supporting section, hinge and base section are coplanar when in the flat position.
 36. The support cushion on claim 32 wherein the coupling means includes at least one tab on an end of the support section and at least one slot for each tab proximate an end of the base section.
 37. The support cushion of claim 36 wherein there are four slots for each tab, allowing a range of adjustment of the flexing of the support section.
 38. The support cushion of claim 36 wherein the at least one tab is on an end of the body contacting section opposite from the body contacting section's contact with the hinge.
 39. The support cushion of claim 36 wherein the at least one slot is located proximate the end of the support section opposite from the support section's contact with the hinge.
 40. The support cushion of claim 36 wherein there are two tabs and at least one pair of slots for receiving the tabs and maintaining the body contacting section under a tension which results in the support section being flexed in a convex fashion.
 41. The support cushion of claim 32 further including engagement means, coupled to the support section, for engaging with the chair back or other point of contact for support of the support cushion, so that the body support cushion in its deployed condition stays in place before a user's body part is pressed against the body contacting section.
 42. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the engagement means includes a series of conical projections extending outwardly from the support section.
 43. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the body contacting section, support section, hinge and coupling means are integrally formed of a single sheet of material.
 44. The support cushion of claim 43 wherein the hinge is a living hinge.
 45. The support cushion of claim 32 further including aeration means incorporated in the body contacting section for allowing the passage of air and heat though the body contacting section.
 46. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the aeration means includes a series of rounded openings.
 47. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the aeration means includes at least one slot in the body contacting session.
 48. The support cushion of claim 32 further including flexibility enhancing means in the support section for easing the flexing of the support section relative to the base section when the support cushion is in the deployed condition.
 49. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the support section and the base section are formed separately and connected with a hinge.
 50. The support cushion of claim 49 wherein the hinge includes multiple engaging hinge members.
 51. The support cushion of claim 32, further including a second hinge in the support section.
 52. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the coupling means includes at least one first mating hook or pile connector on an end of the support section and at least one second mating pile or hook connector for each first mating hook or pile connector proximate an end of the base section.
 53. The support cushion of claim 52 wherein there are two second mating pile or hook connectors for each first mating hook or pile connector, allowing a range of adjustment of the flexing of the support section.
 54. The support cushion of claim 52 wherein the at least one first mating hook or pile connector is on an end of the support section opposite from the support section's contact with the hinge.
 55. The support cushion of claim 52 wherein the at least one second mating pile or hook connector is located proximate the end of the base section opposite from the base section's contact with the hinge.
 56. A support cushion, for maintaining an object a distance from a surface comprising: a supporting section; a base section; a hinge connecting the supporting section and the base section and allowing the supporting section and base section a range of motion including at least one deployed position and a flattened position; and coupling means, for selectively, releasably securing portions of the supporting section and the base section to each other in a way which causes the supporting section to be flexed in the deployed condition; whereby the support cushion placed on the surface will maintain an object placed on its supporting section a distance from the surface in its deployed condition.
 57. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the supporting section, base section and hinge are formed as a single piece.
 58. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the hinge is a living hinge.
 59. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the supporting section, hinge and base section are coplanar when in the flat position.
 60. The support cushion on claim 56 wherein the coupling means includes at least one tab on an end of the support section and at least one slot for each tab proximate an end of the base section.
 61. The support cushion of claim 60 wherein there are four slots for each tab, allowing a range of adjustment of the flexing of the support section.
 62. The support cushion of claim 60 wherein the at least one tab is on an end of the support section opposite from the support section's contact with the hinge.
 63. The support cushion of claim 60 wherein the at least one slot is located proximate the end of the base section opposite from the base section's contact with the hinge.
 64. The support cushion of claim 60 wherein there are two tabs and at least one pair of slots for receiving the tabs and maintaining the support section under a tension which results in the support section being flexed in a convex fashion.
 65. The support cushion of claim 56 further including engagement means, coupled to the support section, for engaging with the chair back or other point of contact for support of the body support cushion, so that the body support cushion in its deployed condition stays in place before a user's body part is pressed against the body contacting section.
 66. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the engagement means includes a series of conical projections extending outwardly from the support section.
 67. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the body contacting section, support section, hinge and coupling means are integrally formed of a single sheet of material.
 68. The support cushion of claim 67 wherein the hinge is a living hinge.
 69. The support cushion of claim 56 further including aeration means incorporated in the body contacting section for allowing the passage of air and heat though the body contacting section.
 70. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the aeration means includes a series of rounded openings.
 71. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the aeration means includes at least one slot in the body contacting session.
 72. The support cushion of claim 56 further including flexibility enhancing means in the support section for easing the flexing of the support section relative to the base section when the support cushion is in the deployed condition.
 73. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the support section and the base section are formed separately and connected with a hinge.
 74. The support cushion of claim 73 wherein the hinge includes multiple engaging hinge members.
 75. The support cushion of claim 56, further including a second hinge in the support section.
 76. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the coupling means includes at least one first mating hook or pile connector on an end of the support section and at least one second mating pile or hook connector for each first mating hook or pile connector proximate an end of the base section.
 77. The support cushion of claim 76 wherein there are two second mating pile or hook connectors for each first mating hook or pile connector, allowing a range of adjustment of the flexing of the support section.
 78. The support cushion of claim 76 wherein the at least one first mating hook or pile connector is on an end of the support section opposite from the support section's contact with the hinge.
 79. The support cushion of claim 76 wherein the at least one second mating pile or hook connector is located proximate the end of the base section opposite from the base section's contact with the hinge.
 80. A support cushion, for supporting a laptop computer on a wearer's lap a distance from the lap, comprising: a supporting section; a base section; a hinge connecting the supporting section and the base section and allowing the supporting section and base section a range of motion including at least one deployed position and a flattened position; and coupling means, for selectively, releasably securing portions of the supporting section and the base section to each other in a way which causes the supporting section to be flexed in the deployed condition; whereby the support cushion placed on the lap will maintain the laptop computer placed on its supporting section a distance from the lap in its deployed condition.
 81. A portable shim, for supporting a portion of an object a distance from a supporting surface, comprising: a supporting section; a base section; a hinge connecting the supporting section and the base section and allowing the supporting section and base section a range of motion including at least one deployed position and a flattened position; and coupling means, for selectively, releasably securing portions of the supporting section and the base section to each other in a way which causes the supporting section to be flexed in the deployed condition; whereby the support cushion placed on the supporting surface and under a portion of the object will maintain the portion of the object placed on its supporting section a distance from the supporting surface in its deployed condition.
 82. The portable shim of claim 81 wherein the coupling means includes at least two coupling members which provide a variable distance of the object from the supporting surface when the shim is in its deployed condition. 